Dallas – An American Airlines flight arriving from Atlanta safely landed at Dallas‑Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on Friday evening after a laptop battery caught fire in the cabin. The incident, which occurred about 30 minutes before touchdown, prompted the crew to use a thermal containment bag to suppress the flames.
Flight details and response
The aircraft, an Airbus A321 operating as Flight 2398, was carrying 133 people when the fire started. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the flight crew reported smoke from a passenger’s device and quickly moved to contain the situation. Flight attendants placed the smoking laptop in a specialized bag designed to halt thermal runaway, a condition in which lithium‑ion batteries overheat and can ignite without warning.
After the fire was contained, the pilot continued the approach and the plane touched down at approximately 6:55 p.m. local time. The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power, and emergency personnel met the plane in accordance with standard procedure.
Passenger impact
One passenger required medical attention at the scene and was released after treatment. The airline’s spokesperson confirmed that the individual was evaluated by emergency crews and was not seriously injured. The FAA’s preliminary report noted that four to five passengers may have suffered minor burns, though no further details were released.
Passenger Jessica Irgens, who was seated two rows from the incident, told CBS News that the laptop’s owner had placed the device in the aisle, causing smoke to fill the cabin. Irgens moved toward the rear of the aircraft to avoid the heavy smoke while other travelers attempted to assist.
FAA investigation and safety context
The FAA is conducting a formal investigation into the incident. Lithium‑ion batteries, which power laptops, cell phones and many other electronic devices, can experience thermal runaway when damaged, overcharged, exposed to water, or improperly packed. The agency emphasizes that such events can occur without warning and that airlines and manufacturers continue to evaluate safety measures.
American Airlines released a statement thanking its crew for their professionalism and swift response. The airline also noted that the aircraft remained operational and that the flight proceeded to its gate without further incident.
What this means for travelers
While incidents involving laptop batteries are rare, the event underscores the importance of following airline guidelines for electronic devices. Passengers are encouraged to keep devices turned off during takeoff and landing, store them securely, and report any signs of overheating to crew members immediately.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the investigation progresses.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
